The Curious Case of Johan Alfred Ander: Sweden's Last Execution

Imagine a world where the last execution in a country is carried out with a guillotine, a device more commonly associated with the French Revolution. This intriguing scenario unfolded in Sweden with Johan Alfred Ander, a man whose life and death marked a significant moment in Swedish history. Johan Alfred Ander was a Swedish criminal who became the last person to be executed in Sweden. His execution took place on November 23, 1910, at Långholmen Prison in Stockholm. Ander was convicted of murder and robbery, and his case is notable not only for being the last execution in Sweden but also for being the only execution carried out using a guillotine in the country.

Johan Alfred Ander was born in 1873 and led a life that eventually spiraled into crime. His most infamous act was the murder of Victoria Hellsten during a robbery at a currency exchange office in Stockholm. The crime was committed on January 5, 1910, and Ander was swiftly apprehended. The evidence against him was overwhelming, leading to a conviction that would seal his fate. The use of the guillotine was a decision made by the Swedish authorities, who had acquired the device from France, marking a departure from the traditional methods of execution previously used in the country.

The execution of Johan Alfred Ander was a pivotal moment in Swedish history, as it marked the end of capital punishment in the nation. The event sparked discussions and debates about the morality and necessity of the death penalty, contributing to the eventual abolition of capital punishment in Sweden. The last execution was a reflection of changing societal values and a move towards more humane forms of justice. Johan Alfred Ander's story serves as a reminder of a bygone era and the evolution of legal and ethical standards in Sweden and beyond.